The following post features student writing.

Today the group woke up earlier than usual, following a very crucial meeting the night before where we decided to get a jump start on our main project; completing the 10 new bathrooms throughout the village. We ate a delightful breakfast of eggs, toast, and tea and proceeded to our rooms to get our work gear. We left the compound in record time and then split into our different work groups. My group and I went to Pedro’s house where we continued to clear the space for the bathroom and also bring in rocks from the surrounding area which will be used to create the foundation. Filip, Cara, Cam, and Shannan worked with Mario where they carried adobe bricks that weigh as much as 40 pounds. Once the adobe was collected, the group mixed dirt and water to create the cement in order to construct the walls of the bathroom. Stella, Catia, and Ellie walked around in a giant mud pit, filled with dirt, water, rocks and hay, which will be used to form the individual adobe bricks. The girls went to the school in the afternoon to teach the kids English and also help them make crafts, such as pet rocks and family portraits. Cara and Dhiya led the class in singing the “head, shoulders, knees and toes” song, while Harper and Talia taught the class English, more specifically introduction phrases. The boys, Alex, Lucas, Filip and Giacomo, returned to Pedro’s house in the afternoon to continue to dig out a flat space for the bathroom. It was tough work but the lads sweat their way to a delicious lunch of mustard chicken. In the afternoon the group worked on their independent projects, the boys planning the interviews and the girls spending time planning lessons for the school. We finally enjoyed a nice dinner after playing soccer under the moon light with the local children. It was a tough day of work and play, so we went to bed early.

– Alex